Texas State Aquarium | Corpus Christi

The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a major attraction dedicated to the preservation and understanding of marine life, particularly the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Opened in 1990, the aquarium has grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive marine facilities in the United States, offering visitors an immersive experience with both local and exotic sea life.

Exhibits & Attractions:

The aquarium is home to a wide array of exhibits that showcase marine life through interactive displays and educational programs.

Dolphin Bay: This is one of the most popular exhibits, where visitors can see dolphins up close. The aquarium has resident dolphins such as Shadow, Liko, Schooner, and Merlin. Regular dolphin presentations are held at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, where guests can learn about dolphin behavior, training, and conservation efforts.

Tortuga Cay: This exhibit focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles. The facility provides a safe haven for non-releasable sea turtles, offering visitors a chance to learn about these creatures and the efforts to protect them in the wild.

Caribbean Sea Exhibit: One of the aquarium’s most stunning features, this 400,000-gallon exhibit showcases a vibrant coral reef ecosystem and includes a shipwreck that attracts a variety of marine species. It provides an immersive look into the marine life of the Caribbean, with colorful fish, rays, and other sea creatures.

H-E-B Splash Park: Ideal for families with children, this 15,000-square-foot outdoor water play area features slides, spray features, and fountains. The park is open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, offering a fun way to cool off during the summer months.

Wildlife Rescue Center: This behind-the-scenes area allows visitors to observe the aquarium's efforts in rehabilitating injured marine animals, including sea turtles and other wildlife found along the Texas coastline. The center provides important education on the challenges faced by marine animals and the rescue and recovery processes.

Conservation Efforts:

The Texas State Aquarium is dedicated to conservation and plays a crucial role in protecting marine life, particularly those species native to the Gulf of Mexico. The aquarium is involved in several conservation programs, including:

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: The aquarium works on rehabilitating sea turtles, especially during the winter when many turtles are affected by cold-stunning events. The aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Center provides care for injured or sick turtles before releasing them back into the wild.

Marine Species Preservation: The aquarium also participates in research and educational outreach programs focused on the preservation of marine species and their habitats. It aims to increase public awareness of the importance of ocean conservation.

Admission & Hours:

General Admission:

Adults: $35

Children (ages 3–12): $26

Seniors (ages 65+): $26

Children under 3: Free

Parking: $7 per vehicle

Hours of Operation:

The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Special Events & Programs:

The aquarium offers various programs throughout the year, including educational camps, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events like marine animal feedings and conservation talks. These programs provide additional opportunities for guests to learn about marine life and the conservation efforts in place to protect it.

Location & Parking:

Location: The Texas State Aquarium is located at 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX, offering scenic views of the waterfront.

Parking: Parking is available for $7 per vehicle, with accessible parking spaces for guests with disabilities.

The Texas State Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life, conservation, and environmental education. It offers a hands-on, engaging experience that appeals to visitors of all ages, making it a great destination for families, school groups, and anyone passionate about protecting our oceans and wildlife.